Does CT scan can show copd

[Sandrute2]

Does CT scan can show Copd smoking damage and can it be diagnosed with it.

Does bronchoskopy is needed.

[CDPO16]

Hi Sandrute, you asked this about 2 months ago. You might want to look back at the replies you got then.

[Hidden]

I answered this on your post a couple of days ago. CT is the most definitive test for COPD. Bronchoscopy is not routinely used for COPD, and certainly not for diagnosis. You also can’t have COPD without obstruction on spirometry.

[Sandrute2 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much Charlie G. I am very scared if they will ask me to do bronchoskopy as on their website is written that bronhoskopy helps very much to diagnose intercistial lung diseases. When I called a doctor and asked what test they would do they said spirometry but others told that all test needed brochoskopy too. I asked to do ct scan and did not get.

[Hidden in reply to Sandrute2]

COPD is not an interstitial lung disease. ILDs are a group of diseases where bronchoscopy can be useful to determine which one someone has so that they receive the right treatment. COPD is quite often diagnosed just via spirometry, but CT is the gold standard. I asked last time if you had obstruction on your spirometry, and eventually assumed you didn’t: without obstruction, you won’t get a CT scan looking for COPD, because you can’t have COPD without obstruction. My understanding is that the only reason you would get further tests without any obstruction is if the results instead showed restriction. Completely normal spirometry rules out almost all chronic lung conditions.

[Maricopa]

Yes a ct scan can give you a lot of information as to the condition of your lungs.

[Sandrute2 in reply to Maricopa]

Thank you very much Maricopa for your reply. My lungs are very damaged. And I don't know but I think that ct scan will damage them too.

[Maricopa in reply to Sandrute2]

No! The ct scan is low radiation. And they don’t do them often. I’ve only had it done twice in 13 years.

[Hollyjt]

Hello Sandrute2, Just to say I have had c.t scan over the years and I don't feel they have damaged my lungs. They have helped me to diagnose for what is going on. I hoped that has helped you a little. Take care Holly xx

[Sandrute2 in reply to Hollyjt]

Thank you very much for reply Hollyjt. I hope that ct scant if I will get will not damage my lungs. That God will give me answers and help. And for all people too.

[2greys]

CT scans will not damage your lungs. I have had a dozen of them in the last 6 years along with 5 PET scans and multiple X rays. In fact they have actually saved my life, as it was how my lung cancer was detected. This was treated with Radiotherapy, at a much higher dose of radiation than 50 CT scans would produce. 3 years later I am still here replying to you. Believe me they would not do them if they were harmful. I expect to get a lot more CT scans in the future as well, as I have at least another 2 years to go to be declared cancer free.

[Sandrute2 in reply to 2greys]

Thank you very much for reply 2greys.Now I think about to ask for doctor for Ct scan that they can see my lungs better. I think they have simple scan no HR.

[Maricopa in reply to Sandrute2]

Yes, have the ct scan. You will feel better knowing exactly where your condition is at. Then a plan can be made to help you with your lung disease. You might be able to be less anxious.

[Sandrute2 in reply to Maricopa]

Thank you very much Maricopa for your reply. I like to use only natural herbs and I feel chemical is not good for me. And if I go to hospital they will ask to use it. And I dont know how will be later.

[Maricopa in reply to Sandrute2]

I understand your concerns. However it sounds like your condition is past the point of being controlled without proper medications. It is a progressive disease. It is irreversible. So it’s better for you to get the cat scan and follow Doctors recommendations. If you don’t do anything your lung condition will place too much work on your heart. Then you will have another organ to worry about. Sadly, no one lives forever. By taking the correct medications and following the Doctors plan you can add years to your life. If you do nothing you will become sicker. ❤️

[jackdup]

In your reply to Maricopa you said your lungs were very damaged. How do you know that if there has not been a CT scan? Did an X-ray show some issues? Others have asked if you had a spirometry but don’t believe you answered. Have you had a spirometry and if so what were the results.

[Sandrute2 in reply to jackdup]

Thank you very much Jackdup for reply. I never had a CT scan. But I feel my lungs are damaged. Doctors told me that x ray have some dark areas .I did spirometry without chemical and the doctor showed me that I did not reach the line I think it was not good but did not tell me more. I decided to go to other doctors to other city but I stiil feel weak.

[jackdup in reply to Sandrute2]

You should ask for a copy of you results for both the spirometry and the X-ray and you can read yourself what they say rather than guessing as all that does is cause uncertainty and anxiety. If the X-ray showed something suspicious I would be very surprised if they would not have followed up with a CT scan or further tests. I think you should contact the doctors office where you had the spirometry and X-ray done and ask for copies of the reports.

[Sandrute2 in reply to jackdup]

I am not a doctor I dont understand this things how to read the test and what it means. I visited many times snd they told me that is anxiety and my lungs are good. I think the doctor is good people and they waiting for something to tell me later. But I think that It would be better if they tell me it.Not just saying its anxiety.

[jackdup in reply to Sandrute2]

Some reports are written so the average person can understand them. If you get a copy of them and post the results here we could try to help you to interpret them. None of us are doctors either but there is lots of people with experience and could offer some guidance. If the reports show there is no problem with the X-ray or spirometry then it could very well be anxiety but knowing the test results were fine should lessen the anxiety for you.

[Sandrute2 in reply to jackdup]

I think the most important think is to see how people look and feel. I think if the doctor or nurse would look how I walk what is happening with me observing me outdoors even one week only it woul be enough. When they see me in room 20 min its not enough. As I dont do much activity. Yes is good idea to ask for test copy.

[CDPO16 in reply to Sandrute2]

I'm not sure why you think doctors are withholding information from you, there would be no reason for them doing that. Is it possible that you have convinced yourself that you have lung disease when it may be that you haven't? Anxiety and worry certainly can cause breathing problems. You ask about further tests but also say that you don't want to go to a hospital to have them as they may prescribe drugs that you don't want to use.I really wish you well Sandrute but I do find that some of what you say is contradictory and wonder if you are reading too much on the Internet and causing yourself more worry. Not all smokers get lung disease.

Please see a doctor you trust to get to the bottom of your concerns.

[Sandrute2 in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you very much for reply CDPO16. I remember when I started to inhale smoke the problems started. I told my mother to bring me to doctors and they did not know that I smoke and I did not tell. I started to complain that something is happening with me I dont get enough air or something. And doctors told that it is anxiety. In school I become slow not feeling good with health. And smoked. When I felt bad I thought is anxiety only. And I dont thing lung are good after inhaling smoke 20 years. Doctors tell me they are good. But I could not walk, was wery weak and something bad with . I think the doctors are very good people but sometimes they make mistakes. I dont know.

[Hidden in reply to Sandrute2]

If you think they’ve made a mistake, the only way to know is to get the report. That will prove whether or not your lungs are ok or not - numbers don’t lie, and they can’t make the numbers up, so the only thing that could be wrong is the interpretation. If the numbers are fine, you need to accept that the issue is not your lungs. If they’re not fine, you can get inhalers and appropriate treatment.

[Sandrute2 in reply to Hidden]

One time I took one tablet of bronhodilator and had burning experience in my mouth. After few hours I could not walk, problem with heart and did not know what was the reason. So people tell that medication have side effect and not good. Yes I think I have to ask about it.

[Patk1]

Have u taken action to treat yr anxiety?U need to take exercise.drs cant lie to u.anxiety can mimic problems u don't have.u shld address anx

[Sandrute2 in reply to Patk1]

I think I need more tests for lungs and to explain me what to expect. I speak with my family they help me, I speak with friends and God. It helps me .